Past Workshops

Background

Since 2006, Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions have supported the enhancement of synergies and linkages among the three multilateral environmental agreements in specific areas where common issues arise. In this regard, the Conferences of the Parties (COP) to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions adopted a series of decisions that led in 2008-2009 to the adoption of a set of recommendations to promote cooperation and collaboration among the three conventions at the national, regional and international level (Basel Convention decision IX/10, Rotterdam Convention decision RC-4/11, Stockholm Convention decision SC-4/34).

As part of the implementation of those recommendations, the simultaneous extraordinary meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the three Conventions (ex-COPs) are scheduled to take place in February 2010 back-to-back with the 11th special session of the UNEP Governing Council.

Workshop objectives

The workshop aims at offering a holistic approach to the implementation of the three Conventions. The emphasis is placed on identifying synergies and linkages at the national level as a way to foster compliance with the Conventions’ requirements. Consideration will also be given to opportunities for technical and financial assistance when implementing the Conventions in a coordinated manner.

Outcomes

Participants will become aware of the process under way to further promote cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and its possible implications at the regional and national levels;

Participants will have a better understanding of the status of implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions in the region as well as the national priorities identified by Parties to fulfill their obligations;

Participants will share information and experience on existing coordination mechanisms at national level as well as identify the areas where further coordination might be required;

Participants will be more familiar with the technical and financial opportunities to implement in a coordinated way the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions in the region.

Target Audience

Official Contact Points from English-speaking countries in Africa that are Parties to the Conventions; including Basel Convention’s Focal Points, Rotterdam Convention’s Designated National Authorities and Stockholm Conventions’ s Official Contact Points.

Other key stakeholders, such as non-governmental organizations and intergovernmental organizations, are also welcome to participate in the meeting.

Timing and Venue

The regional workshop for English-speaking Africa will take place from 28 to 30 October 2009 in Pretoria, South Africa and will be organized in collaboration with the African Institute for the Environmentally Sound Management of Hazardous and Other Wastes, the Basel Convention regional centre for English-speaking countries in Africa. More information about the venue of the workshop will be posted as soon as available.